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Proud of our Practice: GP gets them there on time

Dr Bridget McCalister is the inspiration behind a scheme which helps cancer patients at her practice in Stirlingshire get to their hospital appointments.

Bonnybrook Driving Force uses volunteer drivers to ferry patients to and from appointments and treatment at hospitals up to 30 miles away. Since the scheme began in January, 15 volunteer drivers have signed up and have done more than 50 journeys.

She said: 'Patients are very, very grateful. Before, they had to take elderly relatives on the bus, train or taxi. Our service lets them take a carer along with them, unlike ambulances, and is completely free to patients.'

The scheme received more than £10,000 from the National Lottery and local health board to help it get established and is still trying to raise awareness among local GPs. Dr McCalister said: 'It's been incredibly stressful, but I've got such a buzz from doing it.'